Page 23 of The Riskiest Move

As we walk toward the exit, Cooper’s hand finds the small of my back, guiding me through the crowd. The warmth of his touch sends a little zap of happiness through me. It’s nice to be out with a man who knows how to treat a woman.

Stepping out into the cool night air is a welcome relief after being around so many people I don’t know. We pause for a moment, letting our eyes adjust to the darkness.

Cooper turns to me. “How was your first charity event as my fake girlfriend?”

I smile. “It was… interesting. Definitely not how I usually spend my nights.”

“No regrets, though, right?” There’s a hint of uncertainty in his voice.

I shake my head. “No regrets. It was actually fun, in a surreal sort of way.”

He grins, visibly relaxing. “Good. I’m glad you didn’t hate it.”

“Not at all,” I reassure him.

We head toward the valet stand, our steps falling into sync. The click of my heels echoes in the quiet night.

“You know, I think we make a pretty convincing couple,” I say.

Cooper chuckles softly. “I think you’re right. We managed to fool everyone in there.”

“Even ourselves, for a moment,” I say, then immediately regret it. The words slipped out before I could stop them.

Cooper’s expression is unreadable in the dim light. “Yeah,” he says, rubbing the back of his neck. “It felt pretty natural, didn’t it?”

I nod, not trusting myself to speak. We reach the valet stand, and Cooper hands over his ticket. As we wait for his car, an awkward silence falls between us.

Finally, he clears his throat. “Listen, Scarlett... I just want to say thank you. For doing this, I mean. I know it’s not exactly a normal favor to ask of someone.”

I turn to face him, a small smile on my lips. “You’re welcome. And, hey, it’s not like it’s been a hardship. Free dinner, dancing, and arm candy for the evening? I’d say I got the better end of this deal.”

He laughs, the tension easing from his shoulders. “Well, when you put it that way, maybe I should be thanking you more often.”

The valet pulls up with Cooper’s vehicle, a sleek black sports car that probably costs more than my yearly earnings. Cooper opens the passenger door for me, ever the gentleman.

As we settle into our seats, I can’t help but feel a twinge of disappointment that the night is ending. It’s been surprisingly enjoyable.

“So,” Cooper says as he pulls out of the parking lot, “same time next week?”

I laugh. “Is there another event already?”

“No, I was joking. But now that I’m thinking about it, I’m not sure. I’ll have to get back to you about what’s on the schedule.”

“No worries. I’m flexible… I mean my schedule is.”

He chuckles. “I knew what you meant.”

Of course he did. Way to point out the obvious.

CHAPTER 6

COOPER

I’m trying to keep my focus on the road but my eyes keep flicking to Scarlett’s long legs. Even encased in jeans, they look sexy as hell.

“What kind of car is this?” she asks.

“It’s a Corvette.”

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